Meet Grace Banda
Muli bwanji! I'm Grace Banda, a Malawian expat living in Bristol, UK, with my husband, David, and our daughter, Thandi. I'm passionate about sharing my love for travel, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism through my blog. I grew up in Chilumba, Malawi, surrounded by the beauty of Lake Malawi, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature and community. While I work as a Community Outreach Coordinator, my heart belongs to exploring new destinations and reconnecting with my roots in Malawi. Join me as I share my travel stories, tips, and insights, inspiring you to embark on your own authentic and meaningful adventures. I focus on family travel, solo trips back to Malawi, and experiences that promote cultural immersion and responsible tourism. Whether it's cooking Malawian dishes, attending cultural festivals, or hiking in the Mendip Hills, I'm always seeking new ways to connect with the world around me. Takulandirani! (Welcome!)
- Empathetic
- Adventurous
- Optimistic
- Curious
- Passionate
- Aguas Calientes, Peru
- Huairou District, China
- Skukuza, South Africa
- Tromsø, Norway
- Agra, India
Latest Travel Diaries by Grace Banda
-
13 Day TripExploring the Cultural Charms of Hoi An with FamilyExperience the enchanting blend of history and culture in Hoi An Ancient Town with family, enjoying local cuisine and vibrant markets.
-
8 Day TripSolo Sojourn in the Blue Pearl of MoroccoExplore the enchanting blue streets of Chefchaouen on a solo adventure, discovering Moroccan culture and cuisine while staying at Hotel Casa Miguel.
-
7 Day TripSolo Adventure to the Heart of LivingstoniaExplore the cultural richness and stunning landscapes of Livingstonia on a solo journey, blending history and authenticity in the heart of Malawi.
-
9 Day TripSolo Exploration of Kyoto's Cultural WondersJoin Grace Banda on a solo journey through Kyoto, exploring its cultural wonders and staying at the elegant The Screen Hotel.
-
11 Day TripFamily Adventure in the Heart of CuscoExperience the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Cusco with your family on an unforgettable 11-day journey.
-
7 Day TripSolo Adventures in the Blue Pearl of Morocco: ChefchaouenEmbark on a solo journey to Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco, for a week of cultural exploration, stunning photography, and authentic experiences.
More about Grace Banda
Grace grew up in Chilumba, Malawi, surrounded by the beauty of Lake Malawi and the warmth of her community. After completing her secondary education, she moved to the UK to pursue further studies in social work. She met her husband, David, in university and they settled in Bristol. While her primary focus is her family and her work with the local charity, Grace has a deep passion for travel and sharing her experiences. She started her blog on Evendo as a way to connect with others and inspire them to explore the world, particularly her beloved Malawi.
-
33
Age
-
Female
Gender
-
Community Outreach Coordinator for a local charity
Occupation
-
Malawi
Birth Country
-
Chilumba
Birth City
-
United Kingdom
Current Country
-
Bristol
Current City
-
Married
Marital Status
-
David Smith, Male, 35
Spouse
-
Children
- Thandi Smith, Female, 6
Interest
- Cultural exchange
- Sustainable tourism
- Global cuisine
- Photography
- Wildlife conservation
Hobbies
- Cooking Malawian dishes
- Learning new languages
- Attending cultural festivals
- Hiking in the Mendip Hills
- Volunteering at local community events
Recent Articles & Tips by Grace Banda
-
Travel AdviceThe Joy of Local Festivals: Immersing Yourself in Cultural CelebrationsExperience the joy of local festivals and learn how to immerse yourself in cultural celebrations around the world.
-
Travel AdviceTraveling Green: Eco-Friendly Habits for the Conscious TravelerAdopt eco-friendly travel habits and reduce your carbon footprint while exploring the world.
-
Travel AdviceMindful Travel: Balancing Relaxation and ExplorationHow to travel mindfully, balancing relaxation with exploration to enhance the travel experience.
-
Travel AdviceTravel Safety Tips: Staying Safe While Exploring New DestinationsEssential safety tips for travelers to ensure a secure and worry-free journey wherever they go.
-
Travel AdviceVolunteering Abroad: How to Make a Difference While TravelingLearn how to incorporate volunteering into your travels and the positive impact it can have on local communities and yourself.
-
Travel AdviceThe Benefits of Solo Travel: Reconnecting with Yourself on the RoadExplore the advantages of solo travel and how it provides opportunities for self-discovery and personal growth.
Travel Essentials
- Universal travel adapter
- Comfortable walking shoes
- First-aid kit with necessary medications
- Camera and extra batteries
- Lightweight scarf or wrap
Travel Tips
-
Pack light to avoid hefty baggage fees and make navigating airports and train stations easier.
-
Always research local customs and traditions to show respect and avoid unintentional offense.
-
Learn a few basic phrases in the local language to enhance your interactions with locals.
-
Make copies of important documents like your passport and driver's license, and store them separately from the originals.
-
Stay open-minded and embrace unexpected opportunities – some of the best travel experiences come from unplanned adventures.
Recent Memories from Grace Banda
This Explorers Travel Highlights
-
My Travel Highlight
Volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Lilongwe, Malawi, where I helped care for orphaned animals and learned about local conservation efforts. It was incredibly rewarding to contribute to protecting Malawi's natural heritage.
-
Favourite Destination
Malawi, without a doubt. Returning to my home country always fills me with joy. The warmth of the people, the stunning landscapes, and the vibrant culture make it an unforgettable experience every time.
-
Best Hotel
The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Los Angeles. The location is fantastic, close to Rodeo Drive, and the service was impeccable. The views were stunning, and the luxurious amenities made my stay truly special.
-
My Adventurous Destination
Rajasthan, India. The bustling cities, vibrant colors, and diverse landscapes were a sensory overload in the best way possible. Navigating the crowded streets and exploring ancient forts was an exhilarating experience.
-
My Food Destination
Istanbul, Turkey. The city is a melting pot of flavors, from savory kebabs and flavorful mezes to delectable Turkish delights. Exploring the local markets and trying street food was an absolute delight.